Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Bangin awesome - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Croberts04 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Ok, i went to the auto show and looked at the celica. i fell in love from across the room! i want the car so bad and im trying to get my dad to buy it. reviews are good and all that stuff--so so far so good. The last thing that would help me to buy it is some kind of a discount or offer...

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Deidra - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car, I bought it new less than a year ago and its just great. I havent had any problems at all, in fact i think this is just one of the best cars to buy and recommend it highly.

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  Luxury in an affordable package - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Jimbo1 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  The Avalon is not going to win any styling awards or be confused with a sport sedan, but with that said, the Avalon has no other weaknesses. If you want to feel your surrounded in luxury and want a comfortable ride that even the best luxury car will be pressed to match. The Avalon is your car. The car is extremely quiet and with the upgraded sound system, its almost like sitting in theater. Toyota reliability and workmanship in a glove leather package.

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  A Home Run for Toyota - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Nellsbells - April 27 - 10:00 am

  After looking and driving everything It all came down to the drive;comfort;style;handling, and reliability. This van has it all over every one on the market. Toyota is the real stuff. Well own it for 10 years easily

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  Not the same car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By TEACHER - April 27 - 7:26 am

  I traded my 2002 Avalon XL in on a 2007 XLS. I wish I had the 2002 back. It was much quieter and had more stability. The 2007 engine is noisy and often clatters like a diesel. Dealership says that is normal?? I just hope that it does not finally fail while I am on a long trip 2000 miles from home. I enjoy driving the car but would feel much more at ease if the engine were not so noisy and the transmission shifted smoother. The rear vision from the car when backing is also very limited. Knowing where the rear of the car is questionable. I like the interior and the entertainment system. Paint also chips very easy. Dealer blamed it on the EPA.

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  We named it Eon - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Cindy Carter - April 27 - 6:26 am

  So far, this car has been very impressive in terms of comfort, performance and gas mileage. Great ride quality, and almost no wind noise. We considered a Prius, but since most of our driving is highway, it didnt make sense to spend extra money for the hybrid. We love the look of it, and it has every feature except AWD.

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  Typical Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Hank Inman - April 27 - 4:16 am

  We had to wait more than 2 months for our car, and we didnt get leather or sun roof that we ordered. The dealer tried to get us to have an aftermarket company do the job. We declined. We just wanted the car... period! When it finally arrived, the dealer botched several things, but ultimately, getting the car was the ultimate goal. We are extremely pleased with our Camry Hybrid. I love the car! After all, its a Toyota.

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  Luv it - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By James Colbert - April 26 - 10:33 pm

  We love this van. My wife especially likes. She is short and finds it easy to enter and electrically adjust the drivers seat. She used to pick up grand kids after school and it was very good for that. It parks easily with its short turning radius. My only complaint is that it seems to wear tires and front brakes more rapid that I think it should. Probably because of the front wheel drive and weight of the van. I would buy another in a heart beat as I would any other Toyota.

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  Great Entry Level Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brian - April 26 - 5:03 am

  I was looking for an inexpensive work type truck. They DONT exist anymore. I bought a Tacoma after eliminating the Ranger (side facing jump seats) and the Frontier (bigger cab but too much$$). I didnt want, or need, bells and whistles. I got a great truck with am/fm/cd, automatic, bed line, seating for 3 at a great value and with what looks like the best ability to hold value after driving off the lot. The cab is spacious, the color is great (got the Indigo Ink Pearl). My wife and girls love the color, my guy friends love the bed liner, the tie downs, the cool styling. I have never owned a Toyota but will likely own more as the dealer sent someone 135 miles for the color I wanted!!!

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  It has never failed me. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By P. Fox - April 26 - 2:00 am

  In the almost 8 years Ive owned this Camry it has never failed to start even in the most undesirable weather here in New England. For anyone that wants dependable transportation at a very reasonable cost, Toyota Camry is the answer.